Lenni Reviews: "Jackass" vol 1 by Scarlet Beriko

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Keisuke lives with his sister boisterous sister, Akiko, and walks to school with his best friend Katsumi. Katsumi is openly gay and scandalously dating the school nurse and Keisuke finds this out when he accidentally stumbles upon them kissing in the nurses' office. Akiko's pantyhose had gotten tangled up in Keisuke's school uniform so Shinoda, Keisuke's best friend, offers to cover for him by taking him to the nurses' office but when Shinoda sees Keisuke's runner's legs in the pantyhose, he can't help but touch them. But what starts off as simple touching turns to more for Keisuke.

This is a very sexy friends to lovers story with asides to some other relationships; including a boy who bullies Katsumi for being gay who of course is doing so because he has a crush. All the conflicts are handled logically and nothing ever blows up into horrid dramatics; like the whole school turning on Katsumi because he's in a relationship with a staff member. And for an uke, Katsumi is a strong, assertive character. He may be young and sweet but when backed into a corner, Katsumi doesn't wait for a savior. Things play out in ways where you can see real people making these decisions.

The art is well done and all the sex scenes are so detailed you will blush while reading. And all the encounters are CONSENSUAL! So, you actually can connect with these pairings and want to see them happy. Great manga, despite being a little confusing when it starts out. 3.7 out of 5 and keep em coming!

This title is scheduled for release on October 10th, 2017 from SuBLime.

New Release from SuBLime!

Yaoi manga publisher, SuBLime, has launched a new series called Ten Count. According to their press release, this book is a forbidden love story between a therapist and his patient. Media Lab was kind enough to send me some information.

Here's the cover of volume one.

I've reviewed other manga from this publisher before (link is here) so when I unashamedly added the previous manga to my Goodreads account, Ten Count did pop up as a recommended read. I will be reviewing this once I get it in my hands so expect it soon!

Lenni Reviews: "Don't Be Cruel" vol 1 by Yonezou Nekota

Facing the possibility of losing his scholarship, Takashi Negugasa cracks under the pressure and cheats during a test. Unfortunately for him, school delinquent and known playboy, Kideyuki Maya, catches him in the act. In exchange for keeping it secret, Maya blackmails Negugasa into sleeping with him.

As this is a 2 in 1 volume, we see Maya's interfering cousin, Akira, and the obvious feelings Maya has for Negugasa despite Negugasa's obliviousness. It's that "I really like you but I can't say it" scenario. Once I got passed the coercion (yeah, it's a little close to straight up non-con) the pair to make a cute couple. As soon as they get out of their own way, that is.

This may be a typical sort of boys love story but its well drawn and the main characters are likable enough to endure the will they/won't they back and forth (which thankfully doesn't last all that long). I found it a little odd for Maya to turn around and say Negugasa was manipulating him when Maya was doing the blackmailing in the first place (what an odd character flip...) but hey, at first neither man would admit any feelings at all and I'm a  mush. I'll admit I like the happy ending. 4.5 out of 5 and I would love to read the next one!

Like Lenni's writing? This review and more are also posted at literaryloon.com

SUBLIME DEBUTS NEW SERIES LOVE STAGE!!

SuBLime is proud to announce the launch of the romantic comedy LOVE STAGE!! on May 12th.

The yaoi manga series by noted creators Eiki Eiki andTaishi Zaou will be released in print and digital and is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers. Individual print volumes will carry an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN.

A digital version of LOVE STAGE will also be available for an MSRP of $5.99 U.S.  each and will offer fans digital access to all volumes in two ways onSuBLimeManga.com – a DRM-free downloadable PDF that is viewable on any enabled eReader device and computer as well as via the online manga viewer found on the web site.

Though his family is packed with famous celebrities, Izumi Sena is just your average guy. Currently a college student, he is a huge otaku with aspirations of becoming a manga creator. But one day he gets roped into filming a TV commercial and meets hot young actor Ryoma Ichijo. Could this be the same boy he starred in a commercial with over ten years ago?!

LOVE STAGE!! has been adapted into a drama CD as well as a popular 10-episode anime series that is available both on DVD and via streaming in the U.S. The creators of the manga also publish doujinshi(independent comics) under the name "Kozouya.” Fans can find out more about Eiki Eiki and illustrator Taishi Zaou at their website, http://www.kozouya.com/.

“Fans have been very excited for this release ever since we first announced during our manga panel at last year’s YaoiCon plans to publish LOVE STAGE!!,” says SuBLime Editor Jennifer LeBlanc. “The series’ creators, Eiki Eiki and Taishi Zaou, are renowned among legions of yaoi and shojo manga fans for their collaborative works and we are thrilled to debut their first title for the SuBLime imprint!”

Eiki Eiki is the creator of numerous yaoi and shojo manga. Her previous English-language releases includeTrainTrainMillennium Prime Minister, and The Art of Loving.

Manga illustrator Taishi Zaou’s works have been published in English, French, and German. Her previous English-language releases include Green LightFevered KissLiving For TomorrowMysterious Love, and Electric Hands.

 

Sublime Yaoi Manga Imprint To Participate at 2014 Yaoi Con

YaoiCon 2014 takes place the weekend of September 12th-14th at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Hotel. YaoiCon is North America’s preeminent fan event devoted exclusively to yaoi. Full details are available at: www.yaoicon.com. SuBLime will be located in the Dealers’ Hall in booths #23 and #24 throughout the entire convention. Catch the latest updates directly from the SuBLime publishing team during the SuBLime Industry Panel, scheduled for Saturday, September 13th at 2:00PM in the Regency C panel room. The team will have games and prizes as well as updates on many ongoing series. Fans will want to be sure to stay until the very end to catch a big, new publishing announcement! During its presence at YaoiCon, SuBLime will have copies of all currently available print titles for sale at a discounted rate at its booth.

Fans can enjoy an additional 10% discount when purchasing all available volumes of a series. In addition, special advance print copies of Shoko Hidaka’s BLUE MORNING Volume 5 (rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers) will be made available ahead of its October street date. While at the booth, YaoiCon attendees can also enter to win these awesome prizes: a complete set of print AND digital editions of AWKWARD SILENCE (Vols. 1-4), a complete print set of CRIMSON SPELL (Vols. 1-5), or a digital-only title of their choosing from the SuBLime catalog. SuBLime titles are offered worldwide in print and digital formats. For digital editions purchased directly from www.SuBLimeManga.com, readers have two methods of access – a DRM-free downloadable PDF that is viewable on any PDF-enabled eReader device and computer, and via the online manga viewer found on the web site. Readers can also purchase SuBLime’s digital editions through e-tailers such as Kindle, Nook, and Kobo.

VIZ MEDIA's SUBLIME IMPRINT DEBUTS SPIRITUAL POLICE YAOI MANGA SERIES

Youka Nitta’s latest release – SPIRITUAL POLICE. The new manga series launches today, is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers, and carries an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN. 

Rookie police officer Nagatsuma doesn’t believe in superstitious mumbo-jumbo, so he’s skeptical the first time he visits a masseur known as the “Spiritual Doctor.” But he soon learns that the blind, beautiful Aoi is more than just a physical therapist—when he lays his hands on his patients, he can see into their fates and souls. But is Aoi the saintly healer he seems to be? And when the two men give in to the desire for a more-than-clinical relationship, can Nagatsuma separate his new feelings from his job on the force? 

“Youka Nitta’s latest SuBLime release turns on the drama as Aoi and Nagatsuma find themselves falling for each other and also snared in a complex web tying them both to a mysterious cult leader,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime, “The passion also becomes palpable as cute rookie cop Nagatsuma discovers Aoi has senses and special skills that were heightened when he lost his sight. Readers and fans of Youka Nitta especially will not want to miss this sexy new series from one of the biggest names in the yaoi genre!” Youka Nitta made her publishing debut with GROUPIE in 1995, and since then has become one of the most prolific and popular yaoi manga creators worldwide. Her most well-known series, EMBRACING LOVE (published in North America as a 2-in-1 edition by SuBLime), has been adapted into both a drama CD as well as an anime series. Another of Nitta’s popular manga series, STARTING WITH A KISS, is also published in North America by SuBLime. More information about Youka Nitta is available on her English-language website at: http://nittayouka.com.



YOUKA NITTA’s "EMBRACING LOVE" As A Special 2-IN-1 EDITON

VIZ Media and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate), offers a sizzling summer release with a 2-in-1 manga edition of EMBRACING LOVE, by acclaimed yaoi creator Youka Nitta. This new edition is available now and is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers, carrying an MSRP of $16.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN.

EMBRACING LOVE introduces readers to Iwaki Kyousuke and Katou Yoji, two hugely popular adult film stars looking for a way out of the industry. Their chance arrives when they’re both invited to audition for a new erotic film. Imagine their surprise when the director decides the only way for him to choose who will get the coveted lead role is for them to perform one of the film’s love scenes on the spot – with each other! Things get even crazier when Katou decides to take drastic measures to ensure he can continue seeing Iwaki after film production wraps. How will Iwaki respond to Katou’s impulsive act?

Youka Nitta made her publishing debut with GROUPIE in 1995, and since then has become one of the most prolific and popular yaoi creators worldwide. Her most well-known series, Embracing Love, has been adapted into both a drama CD as well as an anime series. Nitta’s other popular manga series, STARTING WITH A KISS, is also published in North America by SuBLime. More information about Youka Nitta is available on her English-language website at: http://nittayouka.com.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.


SuBlime Launches New Manga Series Blue Morning


SuBlime delivers an intriguing new series about aristocratic drama and the intricate relationship between the loyal butler of a noble family and a young heir he is duty-bounty to look after in the print debut of BLUE MORNING, by creator Shoko Hidaka. The new manga (graphic novel) series launched on May 14th, is rated M’ for Mature Audiences, and will carry an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN.

At only ten years of age, Akihito Kuze suddenly inherits the Kuze viscountship after his father’s death. The family's capable butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, takes over the task of raising the boy, serving as his tutor and mentor. However, the handsome and intelligent Katsuragi, well respected even among the aristocracy, remains cool towards his charge. Akihito finds himself relentlessly drawn to Katsuragi, frustrated by the distance between them and driven to discover the reasons why.

“Young Akihito Kuze is destined for nobility, but he first must learn to navigate and grapple with what his butler Katsuragi and society want in a person of high position and what Akihito wants for himself,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “As Akihito stands on the brink of manhood, he realizes he is in love. Fans won’t want to miss the tender drama of BLUE MORNING about the conflicts between what duty demands and what the heart desires!”

Yaoi manga creator Shoko Hidaka’s previously published English-language releases include Restart and Not Enough Time. Her works have also been published in French and German.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.


Yaoi Publisher SuBLime Announces 11 New Manga Titles


Hey Otakus here is some yaoi manga news from SuBLime:

SuBLime, the global yaoi manga (graphic novel) publisher, thrilled fans during its packed panel discussion at the recent YaoiCon 2012 with the announcement of eleven new manga (graphic novel) titles the imprint plans to release throughout 2013.

The forthcoming new titles are rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers. Select releases will be offered as either print-only editions with an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN, or as digital-only releases with an MSRP of $5.99 (U.S. / CAN). Other titles will be made available in both formats.

For digital releases, the $5.99 purchase price will offer readers digital access to two versions of each manga volume on www.SuBLimeManga.com – a downloadable PDF that is viewable on any enabled eReader device and computer or via the embedded online manga viewer found on the web site.

New Print and Print+Digital Titles:

EMBRACING LOVE Vol. 1 2-In-1 Edition, by Youka Nitta ·
Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print And Digital April 2013

SLEEPING MOON Vol. 1, by Miyamoto Kano · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print Only June 2013

BLUE MORNING Vol. 1, by Shouko Hidaka · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print Only May 2013

FALSE MEMORIES Vol. 1, by Isaku Natsume · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print And Digital July 2013
From the creator of DEVIL’S HONEY, also published by SuBLime

HIDE AND SEEK, by Yaya Sakuragi · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print Only July 2013
Sequel to BOND OF DREAMS, BOND OF LOVE, also available from SuBLime

SPIRITUAL POLICE Vol. 1, by Youka Nitta · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print And Digital October 2013

New Digital-Only Titles:

THE RAVISHING OF THE CROWN PRINCE, by Wang Yi & Feng Nong ·
Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available January 2013
Taiwanese creator and artist

SWORD AND MIST, by Hayate Kuku · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available February 2013

THE MATCH SELLER, by Sakae Kusama · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available March 2013
From the creator of THE BED OF MY DEAR KING, also published by SuBLime

EGOISTIC BLUE, by Mio Tennohji · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers ·
Available April 2013

BOYS, BE AMBITIOUS!, by Saburo Nagai · Rated ‘T+’ for Mature Readers · Available May 2013


“Fans will have plenty to look forward to from SuBLime in 2013 with a wide array of new titles we’re scheduling for release,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “As our library continues to expand, we hope that readers will enjoy a diverse and growing selection of unique stories and characters by some of the most prominent creators and authors in the yaoi genre that will be available worldwide from SuBLime. Stay tuned as we look forward to releasing more information on each of these exciting forthcoming titles closer to their release dates!”

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website atSuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook atfacebook.com/SuBLimeManga.


Yaoi Publisher SuBLime Debuts Bond Of Dreams & More


Yaya Sakuragi’s BOND OF DREAMS, BOND OF LOVE, and Youka Nitta’s STARTING WITH A KISS. Both new series launch today, are rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers, and carry a print-version MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN.

STARTING WITH A KISS is also available as a digital edition worldwide from www.SuBLimeManga.com for $5.99 (USD), and is downloadable as a PDF for viewing on any enabled eReader device or computer, as well as accessible via the online manga viewer found on the SuBLime web site.

BOND OF DREAMS, BOND OF LOVE Vol. 1, by Yaya Sakuragi ·
Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN
High school student Ao has been dreaming about his longtime neighbor Ryomei, a priest at the local Shinto shrine. A little freaked out—and a lot excited—at the prospect of having a relationship with Ryomei, Ao gathers up his courage, confesses his feelings...and gets turned down flat. Luckily, Ao's not the kind to give up easily. Thanks to some creative persistence (and Ryomei's weakening resolve), he finally gets a kiss. But one single kiss won't satisfy him for long!

Yaya Sakuragi’s previous English-language releases include Tea For Two, Hey, Sensei? and Stay Close to Me. She is also a prolific novel illustrator.

STARTING WITH A KISS Vol. 1, by Youka Nitta · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN ·  $5.99 Digital From SuBLimeManga.com
Tohru, the son of a yakuza boss, is sent into exile on a deserted island for his own protection during a gang feud. Fiery and impetuous, he isn't thrilled to be sidelined when he'd rather be in the fight, and is even less thrilled that Mutsumi, son of the gang's second in command, is going with him. The serious, studious Mutsumi is Tohru’s opposite in every way, and it doesn't take long before the sparks between them begin to fly! 

Youka Nitta made her publishing debut with GROUPIE in 1995, and since then has become one of the most prolific and popular yaoi creators worldwide. Her most well-known series, Embracing Love, has been adapted into both a drama CD as well as an anime series. More information about Youka Nitta is available on her English-language website at: http://nittayouka.com.
 
“Hot yaoi romances continue to sizzle this month for fans worldwide with the print release of BOND OF DREAMS, BOND OF LOVE and the print and digital release of Starting with a kiss,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “Yaya Sakuragi shows how a not-so-innocent kiss, mixed with plenty of determination, can lead to so much more, while Youka Nitta demonstrates her prowess as one of the genre’s greatest creators with a sultry tropical gangster love story. We also invite readers to visit SuBLimeManga.com and heat up the rest of their summer season with a variety of other sexy yaoi titles available now!”

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.